Dear Members of the Iona community,

On Wednesday, we gathered as a College in the spirit of faith and gratitude to celebrate the Feast Day of St Eugene de Mazenod, the founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and a guiding presence in our College’s mission and identity. In the celebration of the Eucharist, we were reminded of St Eugene’s profound commitment to the marginalised and his enduring belief in the transformative power of love, faith, and education. His legacy continues to inspire our community to live lives of purpose and compassion.

It was of significance that during this week we also announced the retirement of a man who, like St Eugene, has been devoted to the service of others.

It is with both sadness and deep gratitude that I inform our community that Peter Holmes has shared his intention to retire at the end of this term.

Peter has been a member of staff at Iona College for 34 years. Across more than three decades, he has made a remarkable contribution to the life of the College and the lives of countless young Ionians. His roles have included Year Level Coordinator, Head of Wellbeing and Formation, Confraternity Coordinator, Acting Dean of Faith and Mission, and Dean of Primary Years. In every role, Peter has modelled compassion, wisdom, faith, and a steady commitment to the holistic development of students.

His daily presence will be deeply missed, but Peter has already indicated his willingness to stay connected to the College in the future – once he has enjoyed some extended time off and the adventures of the caravanning lifestyle.

The College will conduct a comprehensive search process beginning next term, to appoint a permanent Dean of Primary from the start of next year. In the interim, an internal appointment will be made to fulfill the role through to the end of 2025.

Please join me in thanking Peter for his exceptional service and in celebrating the meaningful impact he has made over his long and faithful career at Iona.

In the spirit of welcome and new beginnings, it was also a great joy to host many families and prospective students at our College Open Day on Friday 16 May. We were thrilled to share our story and showcase our facilities, programs, and the vibrant life of the Iona community with around 1500 guests. I hope those who attended enjoyed their student-led tours and gained a genuine sense of who we are—not just as a school, but as a community dedicated to character, creativity, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

A reminder that enrolment applications for Year 5 in 2027 close on Friday 30 May. If you have already submitted your application, we look forward to welcoming you to the next stage of the journey. If not, we hope to hear from you soon as you consider taking the first step in an Iona education—a journey of learning, faith, service, and community, where our students are supported to grow into their God-given potential and become young men who seek not only personal success, but to make a difference to the lives of others. That is what St Eugene wanted for all.

Amid farewells and gratitude, we also look forward in celebration. This evening we anticipate with excitement the first performance of We Will Rock You, our 2025 College Production. This production is a celebration of talent, teamwork, and the transformative power of the arts.

Set in a world where music has been banned, We Will Rock You has reminded us of just how essential the arts are to the human spirit. At Iona, we believe deeply in the role of the arts in education—not simply as entertainment, but as a vital means of imagination, empathy, and expression. Whether through music, performance, or the craft of backstage work, the arts give our young people the space to discover who they are—and who they have the potential to become.

To the cast, crew, musicians, and production staff—thank you. Your courage, persistence, and creativity have brought this story to life. You have not only lit up the stage, but enriched our community. We wish you every success over the coming performances and hope you feel the full support and pride of the Iona community behind you.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal